Peter de Jager performing at the International Chopin Piano Competition 2011

SNOWY MONARO ARTS COUNCIL INC.
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Peter de Jager Returns to the Home of his Childhood, Cooma

Accomplished pianist Peter de Jager is nearing the end of his second year of a Bachelor of Music at the University of Melbourne, majoring in composition. In August this year, aged only 21, Peter beat other Australian and international competitors to take out the top prize in the International Chopin Piano Competition.

And, not only did he win First Prize, but he was also awarded the People’s Choice Prize, the awards for Best Performance of the E Minor Concerto and Best Performance of a Chopin Nocturne or Etude, the Best Performance of a Mazurka and Best Performance of the Roger Smalley Variations.

Fifteen years ago Peter and his family were residents of Cooma, where Peterand his sister attended Cooma North Primary School. His mother Helen taught piano through Cooma School of Music.

Peter de Jager wins Chopin Piano Competition 2011 (from Canberra Times)

“It was obvious from a very early age that Peter was a gifted child with a remarkable musical talent,” said Allan Spencer of the School of Music, “He was totally in love with the piano.”

In 1997 the de Jager family moved away from Monaro. In Melbourne, Peter continued his study of the piano and achieved his Licentiate of Music at the age of just 11. The Licentiate is considered the highest diploma awarded by the Australian Music Examinations Board, and is rarely achieved by anybody aged below adulthood, often taking many years of study.

Snowy Monaro Arts Council is very proud to welcome Peter’s return to Cooma, when he gives a recital on Sunday 6 November at 3:00pm, at St Paul’s Anglican Parish Hall. Tickets for the performance are available from The Fabric Salon and also at the door prior to 3:00pm.

Map of Cooma CBD (click to enlarge)

Cooma Concert Details:

• When: Sunday 6 November 2011 at 3.00 pm
• Where: St Paul’s Anglican Church Hall, Commissioner Street, Cooma
• Tickets: Adults $25, Concessions $20, Arts Council Members $15, School Students $5
• Pre-concert Ticket Sales available at the Fabric Salon, Vale St Cooma

This concert is presented by the Snowy Monaro Arts Council.